Since 2004, Chi Psi fraternity has a history of sanctions implemented by the University of Minnesota Interfraternity Council, including social probation, community service work and mandatory letters of apology to the University, according to documents obtained by The Minnesota Daily.
The fraternity chapter, which is currently on probation with the UniversityâÄôs Student Unions and Activities office, came under the spotlight again earlier this week after an alleged sexual assault at the house Sunday morning. A female University student reported being sexually assaulted at the fraternity after becoming intoxicated.
Both IFC and the national Chi Psi Fraternity have stated they are still collecting facts surrounding the incident before taking further action.
According to letters addressed to the fraternity from the Office for Student Affairs, in fall of 2008 and 2009 the Office for Fraternity & Sorority Life received reports that the fraternity provided alcohol to minors and possibly allowed minors to consume alcohol on Chi Psi property during Welcome Week.
During September 2009 the IFC implemented sanctions after Chi Psi, also known as “The Lodge,” admitted being in violation of Welcome Week policy.
In an e-mail sent to IFC judicial board representatives in 2009, the sanctions mentioned included two-and-a-half weeks of social probation, letters of apology to the Office of First Year Programs and OSA, and required participation in “major volunteering opportunities.”
Three-quarters of the LodgeâÄôs membership was also required to take part in an “educational session designed to minimize the chapterâÄôs exposure to risk.”
An IFC document detailing a Chi Psi judicial appeal ruling reveals that the Lodge underwent a two-month suspension in 2004 that barred the fraternity from participating in intramural sports, social activities and parties.
The Daily was unable to determine the impetus for the suspension.
IFC President Martin Chorzempa said the organization is still in the process of gathering information regarding the circumstances of the events that transpired Sunday. The IFC currently has no plans for judicial hearings, but Chorzempa said he was aware of the LodgeâÄôs history of misconduct.
“Clearly if a chapter has a history of violations, thatâÄôs taken into account when considering what kind of sanctions are going to be implemented,” Chorzempa said.
Chorzempa added that the IFC hadnâÄôt had any direct contact with the Lodge as of Tuesday afternoon.
Members of the Lodge, including the president, failed to return repeated calls from the Daily.
The national Chi Psi Fraternity has been in touch with the University and the Lodge regarding SundayâÄôs alleged assault, Associate Executive Director Donald Beeson said.
Beeson said the national Chi Psi knew about the LodgeâÄôs probationary status. He added that both the national fraternity and the University have jurisdiction to close a chapter house, but he could not speculate on any possible ramifications of recent events.
“The national fraternity is still conducting its investigation, and until we have all the information weâÄôre not going to discuss any possible
outcomes,” Beeson said.
The Lodge has cancelled all homecoming events for this weekend.